Bladder cancer is not the most common form of cancer, although it can be as deadly as other cancers. Bladder cancer is not a hormone-linked cancer such as breast, ovarian, prostate, or colon cancers. In addition, there is no evidence to support the idea that bladder cancer is inherited; it simply does not run in families. So what seems to be the root cause of bladder cancer? Bladder cancer would appear to be, from the available evidence, a cancer caused by carcinogenic compounds absorbed from outside the body. Bladder cancer is a cancer caused by environmental pollutants, whether they are lifestyle related, such as smoking, or chemicals in the workplace like benzidine.
Cure for Bladder Cancer
Symptoms of a bladder infection usually begin with an urgent desire to empty the bladder. This is typically frequent and painful, even after the bladder has been emptied, there may be a desire to urinate again. The urine often has a strong, unpleasant odor, may be dark in color, and may appear cloudy.
Children suffering from a bladder infection often complain of lower abdominal pain and a painful burning sensation while urinating. There may be blood in the urine.
While cystitis itself is usually more of an annoyance ( don’t tell that to anyone with a bladder infection) than a serious health problem, if left untreated it can lead to a kidney infection.
To diagnose the problem the doctor will take a full medical history, do a physical examination and send a specimen of urine away for testing. Depending on the results the next step may be a cystoscopy, which is a simple procedure, using a fibre-optic tube with a light source attached to inspect the inside of the bladder. The scope is passed into the bladder via the urethra. If any abnormal areas or growths are noted cells can be taken for further examination to see whether they are cancerous or not.
If cancer is diagnosed the next step is to determine whether it is localised or has spread from it’s original location.
Treatment is by surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The type of cancer, age and general health of the patient will determine which treatment or combination of treatments is used.
Early diagnosis always improves the outcome. If you experience any of the above symptoms please seek immediate medical help. If you notice blood in your urine report it to your doctor so that it can be investigated and any appropriate treatment started.
Medicinal Uses of Green Tea
For years, Asians have used green tea to promote a healthy lifestyle. It helps to promote good digestion, improve concentration, and promote the excretion of urine. In addition, a number of studies in human beings, animals, and in laboratories suggest that green tea can be effective in combating a number of ailments.
Treatments include bladder cancer surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and biologic therapy. The stage and grade of the cancer provides important information and can help guide treatment. Superficial bladder tumors are surgically removed with chemotherapy being added to the treatment regime to help prevent recurrence. Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion (an external bag) is usually undertaken for invasive bladder cancer.
Several new compounds have shown activity against transitional cell bladder cancer and are now being tested in combination chemotherapy trials. BCG immunotherapy is the most effective intravesical therapy and involves a live attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis. Immunotherapy in the form of BCG instillation is also used to treat and prevent the recurrence of superficial tumors. Alternative bladder cancer treatments such as herbal treatment may also be of some benefit.
